INJECTION INJURY

Fluid Injection Injury "THE FACTS"

These words used on the front of the latest document produced by the BFPA as part of its continuing campaign to raise awareness and the image of our industry.

The document supports the information covered within the BFPA foundation safety course, and examines the factors that influence the background, symptoms, treatment and likelihood of fluid injection injuries – specifically identifying people who are most at risk and how such an injury should be treated. Fluid injection injuries, if not treated correctly, and quickly, can have a devastating effect, resulting in permanent loss of movement in limbs, and in some cases lead to amputation. Injection injuries can occur in many different applications, such as hydraulic and pneumatic systems, grease and paint guns, pressure washers etc.

Fluid Injection Injuries have been known to occur at pressures as low as 6.9 bar (100 psi) the people most at risk is not limited to those who work within the mobile replacement hose business, but anyone who works with equipment under pressure albeit hydraulic or Pneumatic etc.

Fluid Injection Injury Emergency Fact Book Contents:

Introduction

The People Most at Risk

The Material Injected, Site of Injection and

Likelihood of Amputation

The Symptoms

Treatment

Outcome

Conclusion

The Position of the BFPA

Further Reading

References

Appendices

Appendix 1Procedure and Process Flow – How to Treat a Fluid Injection Injury

Appendix 2Site of Injection

Appendix 3Injection Injury Patient Information Sheet

Appendix 4Mason, M.L. & Queen, F.B. (1941) three phases that define the natural history of high pressure injection injuries